Amputation Workers' Compensation in San Diego, California
Quick Answer
Amputation claims are common in San Diego's Maritime & Navy Contracting sectors, with settlements typically ranging from $150,000–$500,000+. The average workers' compensation settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your case will be heard at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. An experienced attorney who knows the San Diego board can help you maximize your recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Amputation settlement values in California range from $150,000–$500,000+
- San Diego area settlements average $62,100 across all injury types
- Key San Diego industries with amputation risk: Maritime & Navy Contracting
- Your WCAB office: 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108
- Report injuries to your employer within 30 days and file a DWC-1 claim form
- Free consultation available — represented workers recover 3-5x more on average
- Report the amputation immediately - these cases typically involve emergency medical care and obvious injury
Amputation Settlement Range
$150,000–$500,000+
San Diego avg. across all injuries: $62,100
How Amputations Happen in San Diego
Mooring line failures, winch operations, and heavy machinery in shipyards cause amputation injuries.
San Diego's economy relies heavily on Maritime & Navy Contracting, making amputation claims a significant portion of local workers' compensation cases. If you've been injured on the job, understanding how your specific industry and role affect your claim value is critical to getting fair compensation.
San Diego WCAB Office
Free parking is available in the building surface lot, but it fills up quickly before 9:00 AM. Overflow parking is available on Metropolitan Drive.
Amputation Symptoms to Document
Phantom limb sensations
Feeling as if the missing limb is still present, including itching, tingling, or movement sensations in the absent body part
Phantom limb pain
Chronic pain felt in the missing limb, often described as burning, cramping, shooting, or stabbing sensations
Residual limb pain
Pain in the remaining stump from nerve damage, bone spurs, neuromas, or poor healing
Prosthetic fit issues
Skin breakdown, sores, and discomfort from prosthetic device contact and pressure points
Psychological distress
Depression, anxiety, grief, body image issues, and PTSD related to the traumatic loss
Balance and coordination problems
Difficulty with balance, walking, and coordination requiring physical therapy and adaptation
Overuse injuries
Strain on remaining limbs and joints from compensating for the lost body part
Treatment Options Covered by Workers' Comp
Surgical amputation and wound closure
Initial surgical procedure to remove the damaged limb and shape the residual limb for prosthetic fitting
Typical timeline: Emergency or planned surgery, 2-4 weeks hospitalization
Revision surgery
Additional procedures to address complications, improve stump shape, or remove painful neuromas
Typical timeline: As needed, may occur months or years after initial amputation
Prosthetic fitting and training
Custom prosthetic device fabrication, fitting, and extensive training on use
Typical timeline: Initial fitting at 4-8 weeks, training over 3-6 months
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Strength training, balance work, gait training, and functional adaptation
Typical timeline: 6-12 months intensive, ongoing maintenance
Factors That Affect Your Amputation Settlement in San Diego
Body part lost
Major limbs (arm, leg) result in higher settlements than digits
Single finger: $25,000-$100,000 vs. Above-knee amputation: $400,000-$700,000+
Level of amputation
Higher amputations (above elbow/knee) result in greater disability and higher settlements
Below-knee: $350,000-$500,000 vs. Above-knee: $450,000-$700,000+
Dominant vs. non-dominant
Loss of dominant limb increases settlement by 20-40%
Right-handed worker losing right hand: $300,000+ vs. left hand: $200,000+
Occupation and earning capacity
Manual labor workers receive higher settlements due to greater impact on earning capacity
Construction worker with arm loss may receive $100,000+ more than office worker
Filing Your Amputation Claim in San Diego
- Report the amputation immediately - these cases typically involve emergency medical care and obvious injury
- Preserve evidence of the accident scene, especially unguarded machinery or OSHA violations
- Request copies of safety training records, machine maintenance logs, and incident reports
- Begin psychological treatment early - depression and PTSD are common and compensable
- Get evaluated by a certified prosthetist for lifetime prosthetic needs assessment
- Document all activities you can no longer perform for permanent disability evaluation
- Track phantom limb pain and other ongoing symptoms in a daily journal
- Request vocational rehabilitation evaluation if you cannot return to your previous job
- Do not settle until prosthetic needs are fully evaluated and lifetime costs calculated
- Consider applying for Social Security Disability in addition to workers' comp benefits
- The San Diego WCAB office is at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108 — arrive early as parking can be limited.
Amputation Claims in Nearby Cities
Other Workplace Injuries in San Diego
Amputation in San Diego FAQ
What is the average amputation workers' comp settlement in San Diego?
Amputation settlements in California typically range from $150,000–$500,000+. The overall average settlement in San Diego is $62,100. Your actual settlement depends on factors including your wages, the severity of your disability rating, your age, occupation, and the quality of your medical evidence.
Where do I file a amputation workers' comp claim in San Diego?
San Diego workers' compensation claims are handled at the WCAB office at 7575 Metropolitan Drive, Suite 202, San Diego, CA 92108. Phone: (619) 767-2081. First, report your injury to your employer within 30 days, then complete the DWC-1 form they are required to give you within one business day of your report.
How long does a amputation workers' comp case take in San Diego?
Most amputation cases take 12-24 months to resolve, though complex cases can take longer. The San Diego WCAB caseload affects scheduling. Having an experienced attorney who regularly appears at the San Diego board can help move your case forward efficiently.
Which San Diego industries have the highest amputation risk?
In San Diego, amputation claims are most common in the Maritime & Navy Contracting industry. We frequently handle defense firms based in Mission Valley.
Injured at Work in San Diego?
Our attorneys handle amputation claims at the San Diego WCAB regularly. We understand local procedures, know the judges, and fight for maximum compensation. Free consultation — no fees unless we win.
Settlement values are estimates based on historical California workers' compensation data and are not guarantees. Every case is unique. Consult with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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